[D&D 5e] Not KotS 17a Dying to Find Out. (Enc#24)

[Goonalan]

Not KotS​

Session #016b: Rats! & “Pull me up. I don’t like it.”

The Inspectors.
Chromium Malifax aka C-Fax (Rob), Male Silver Dragonborn (Noble) Paladin of Bahamut Level 2
Mavis Golightly aka Mave (Sandy), Female Half-Elf (Acolyte) Cleric of Chauntea Level 2
Arbuthnot McGow aka McGow (Al), Male Mountain Dwarf (Soldier) Fighter Level 2
Snakebite (Kenji), Female Half-Orc (Outlander) Monk Level 2
Travis Pickle (Yui), Male Lightfoot Halfling (Criminal) Rogue Level 2

Dead PCs
The Inspector aka Spek (Kenji), Male Rock Gnome (Charlatan) Sorcerer Level 1- Killed in Session #2 by Eggnog the Kobold Dragon Priest.

To-do list/Quests-
#001 Save Dicky Bird aka The Fat Pidgin, and bring him home safely to Edna Gingster, although Dicky is on his way to the Narthex, which is in the Labyrinth, which is near the Seven Pillared Hall- which is in the Underdark- Bugger. Reward: 2000 XP & 1000gp each.
#002 Find and investigate the ancient dragon burial site Dicky was looking for, he might be there. Reward: 250 XP. COMPLETE
#003 Destroy the kobold menace, including their leader- ‘Chopper.’ Reward: 250 XP & 75gp, with 1gp paid for every kobold tail handed in. COMPLETE
#004 Stop Orcus-worshipping Karl’s ritual to bring an undead army to Kirkgate. Basically, save the village, begs (eventually) Lord Crumble. Karl is in Kirkgate. 1000 XP & 500gp reward.
#005 Find/Save Cheggers. That's it really, the PCs just need to find/save Cheggers (he’s with Karl, if he’s still alive), for Fionulla (the spy). Reward 100 XP.
#006 Find and kill/capture the Bloody Heck- including any leaders. Recover any prisoners they have kidnapped. Reward: 400 XP & 100gp, with 1gp paid for every member of the Bloody Heck confirmed dead or captured.
#007 Find all five symbols of Kurgan Kurgan’s office to open the way below Kirkgate. 1000 XP reward (and the PCs get to keep the items of course). Four items found so far.
#008 Save the Lowder’s and their farm from the Bloody Heck slavers. 250 XP reward. COMPLETE

So, here’s the second half of the session, the Inspectors- now praying to Bahamut all the while, they’ve (eventually) learned their lesson, head off after the last item on their Bahamut shopping list- a magical longsword, they reckon (correctly).

Over another pair of slightly sturdier rope bridges spanning the black depths, and to a set of spiral stone stairs going down, which is apposite as down is where the last item will be found.

To here, and McGow reckons they’re over a hundred feet below the surface now, and- according to Travis (the prayer expert) they’re looking for another way down further yet. The last Bahamut item is deeper still.

It’s slow-ish going because the PCs are being very cautious now, all of them except for C-Fax are still injured from the last few fights, and their getting low on spells and powers, and so… slow and steady are the Inspector’s watchwords.

Onwards, to here…

McGow has spotted a hole in the ground- a well? Is the last item down there? But then he spots a set of wide stone steps descending to the east.

The rest of the PCs head over and…

Mavis is certain (after more praying) that the well- or whatever it is, is indeed the place they need to be. C-Fax has found another barred opening, while Travis & Snakebite are following McGow on.

Note, McGow isn’t making any religion checks (praying to Bahamut) while the other PCs are doing so at odd times. Travis is making a check every twenty or so seconds, just be sure, although in truth the young lad rolls more failures than successes.

Mavis calls her colleagues back, but…

Then the giant rats come scurrying out in search of a meal- seven of them, and with another six-arriving next turn. It gets busy.

Particularly for McGow who takes two or three bites (the rats have pack attack/advantage) including a Crit in the opening moments. The dwarf fighter is down to just four hit points remarkably quickly.

But the hefty (and sweary) little bugger just gets his second wind and then starts dishing out the pain.

As do his comrades.

Everything is under control, or so it seems.

The rats each take a couple of hits to put down, but…

Things are going very well, although McGow just got critted again- he’s back down to just a handful of hit points.

But then Mavis gets bitten (another Crit- go me and my dice) and then when she steps away from her giant rat attacker (on her turn), triggering an opportunity attack, well- I roll my third natural ‘20’ in a row. The priestess (AC 19 with her new magical shield, let’s not forget) is down to one hit point.

Then Travis gets bitten, then Snakebite- twice in a row, McGow must grab out and sink a Potion of Healing.

Like the song says…

Everyone (except C-Fax) hurts.

But it’s just a bunch of giant rats.

The end of the third turn of combat- there’s been a fair amount of missing going on by the PCs this turn. It’s all got a bit tense. Mavis is just about through the charges on her wand of magic missiles, and Travis has taken to shooting his crossbow and then running off to hide.

C-Fax has still not taken a hit, although he’s only managed to land one attack of his own so far.

McGow never misses, and it’s mostly the same for Snakebite, although the fighter hits much harder.

But it’s just a bunch of giant rats.

At which point, a suddenly luminous yellow fist of gloop reaches down from the ceiling and slams Snakebite in the face.

There is screaming, followed by a ‘20’ monster knowledge check (in a moment) from Mavis.

The creature on the ceiling is a large Ochre Jelly.

Back to Snakebite, well- she’d be ko’d if it wasn’t for her relentless endurance.

The blob hits hard.

Spoiler: The Bad Guys

Enc#23 Rats! 775 XP CR 6 Deadly.
13 x Rat, Giant (25xp each) As per MM Giant Rat except better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 2d4+4 (6-12 HP each).
1 x Ochre Jelly (450xp) As per MM Ochre Jelly except better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 6d6+36 (42-72 HP).
Tactics- Starving Giant Rats attack until the Ochre Jelly turns up and then they flee. The brainless Jelly attempts to batter a PC to death and then eat/consume them.

The rats flee (both of them) and the Inspectors offer no contest- they let them pass, this while Mavis lets her comrades know that lightning attacks and slashing weapons are no good against the ooze- don’t use them.

The Inspectors don’t hold back; they unleash everything they’ve got on the roiling ooze- including the last charge of Mavis’ wand of magic missiles.

And…

The Ochre Jelly doesn’t survive, although it did manage to hit Snakebite again before being put down, the half-orc is down to one hit point- and her relentless endurance is already spent.

That was close again for Kenji.

And the PCs are really blowing hard now, save for C-Fax they’re all low to very low on hit points (and healing HD for that matter). They can’t go on…

They must rest.

And so here we all are again, rested- but still mostly broken.

What’s to be done?

And so, eventually, after another ten minutes prevaricating, McGow ties a rope around his waist, several pitons are driven into the stone to hold the rope, and the fat dwarf is lowered down into the void.

McGow isn’t happy about being the scout I may add.

He isn’t the scout- is the point he most often makes.

Anyway, the hole/well descends through just five or so feet of bored stone and then through the ceiling of a massive, ruined chamber.

It looks to be a temple.

Note, in the image below McGow is situated, hanging from a rope, about thirty feet above a black stone… altar?

Over to the far west the dwarf can hear, and just about see, standing water. Also, to the near west is an area filled with rubble and broken pews- to the north and south ruined and wrecked raised (and crenelated) areas, and to the east. McGow doesn’t want to look to the east, spinning slowly from his rope alas he doesn’t have a choice.

To the east McGow is at eye level with a black stone statue of a clothed and cloaked (and horned) devil, the creature is wielding a dagger in one hand and a wand in the other.

Eventually McGow has this to say, after relaying (as above) all he can see/perceive.

“Pull me up. I don’t like it.”

Note McGow’s statement above comes in two distinct parts- or else it is delivered thusly- ‘Pull me up’ is a direct and immediate order, while ‘I don’t like it’ is a whispered confession.

The Inspectors instantly obey the dwarf, who a little while later declares.

“I reckon we’re going to need to eat breakfast before we go down there.”

Here’s the thing- this is the last of the Bahamut-related items, five from five. This according to C-Fax/Rob & Mavis/Sandy- who have played quite a few games of D&D with me over the years, this is going to be an end of level bad guy.

They’ve been saying this for a while.

And keep in mind power-wise atm the Inspectors have got buttons.

And so, the Inspectors retreat all the way- back up the spiral stairs, then up the rope surrounded by the (ex-)spider’s webs, and then all the way back out of the ancient dragon burial site and into the last of the sunshine.

It is approx. 8 PM, the Inspectors are about an hour away from Kirkgate- do they head home, get a good night’s sleep at the Inn and come back refreshed early doors tomorrow morning? Or do they hang on here- get an early night (now) and an earlier start tomorrow morning?

It’s three days before undead army time atm.

Tomorrow will of course be two days before undead army arrival.

The Inspectors therefore retire to the ancient burial site, eat supper and get a very early night- setting watch of course.

The consensus is- they don't deserve a night in the Inn, not yet- they've not earned it.

Next time.

155 XP each for the encounter with the rats and jelly, and a bonus 50 XP for several lovely moments from McGow.

Cheers goonalan and the Tokyo Massive.

 

[Goonalan]

Session #016: Tables

The Adventurers (in no particular order).
Chromium Malifax aka C-Fax (Rob), Male Silver Dragonborn (Noble) Paladin of Bahamut Level 2
Mavis Golightly aka Mave (Sandy), Female Half-Elf (Acolyte) Cleric of Chauntea Level 2
Arbuthnot McGow aka McGow (Al), Male Mountain Dwarf (Soldier) Fighter Level 2
Snakebite (Kenji), Female Half-Orc (Outlander) Monk Level 2
Travis Pickle (Yui), Male Lightfoot Halfling (Criminal) Rogue Level 2

Dead PCs.
The Inspector aka Spek (Kenji), Male Rock Gnome (Charlatan) Sorcerer Level 1 Killed in Session #2 (Enc#3) by Eggnog, the Kobold Dragon Priest. Spek's head melted to nothing when hit by an acid flavoured Chromatic Orb, it didn't help that the gnome sorcerer was on one hit point at the time, twenty-three acid damage later and Spek was spent. Not even time to scream.

To-do list/Quests-
#001 Save Dicky Bird aka The Fat Pidgin, and bring him home safely to Edna Gingster, although Dicky is on his way to the Narthex, which is in the Labyrinth, which is near the Seven Pillared Hall- which is in the Underdark- Bugger. Reward: 2000 XP & 1000gp each.
#002 Find and investigate the ancient dragon burial site Dicky was looking for, he might be there. Reward: 250 XP.
#003 Destroy the kobold menace, including their leader- ‘Chopper.’ Reward: 500 XP & 75gp, with 1gp paid for every kobold tail handed in to Lord Crumble at Kirkgate.
#004 Stop Orcus-worshipping Karl’s ritual to bring an undead army to Kirkgate. Basically, save the village, begs (eventually) Lord Crumble. Karl is in Kirkgate. 1000 XP & 250gp reward.
#005 Find/Save Cheggers. That's it really, the PCs just need to find/save Cheggers, for Fionulla (the spy). Reward 100 XP.
#006 Find and kill/capture the Bloody Heck- including any leaders. Recover any prisoners they have kidnapped. Find out where Karl is based. Reward: 400 XP & 100gp, with 1gp paid for every member of the Bloody Heck confirmed dead or captured.
#007 Find all five symbols of Kurgan Kurgan’s office to open the way below Kirkgate. 1000 XP reward (and the PCs get to keep the items of course). Four items found so far.
#008 Save the Lowder’s and their farm from the Bloody Heck slavers. 250 XP reward.

XP Table
4024 Travis
3999 Mavis
3954 McGow
3919 C-Fax
3670 Snakebite
269 Spek & DECEASED

Book of the Dead (& Defeated) LEVEL 1 PCs:

Spoiler: LEVEL 1 DEAD

25 XP each
4 x Bandit (Enc#2x4)

Spoiler: Bandit

As per MM Bandit except a better HP spread = 2d5+8 (10-18 HP each).

25 x Kobold Mook (Enc#1x5, #4x10 & #5x10)

Spoiler: Kobold Mook

As per MM Kobold except AC 13 (Padded), Resist: Acid & better HP spread = 2d4+2 (4-10 HP each).

4 x Mastiff (Enc#2x4)

Spoiler: Mastiff

As per MM Mastiff except a better HP spread = 1d5+4 (5-10 HP each).

8 x Stirge (Enc#10x8)

Spoiler: Stirge

As per MM Stirge except better HP spread = 1d3+1 (2-4 HP each).

1 x Zombie Spek (Enc#11x1)

Spoiler: Zombie Spek

As per MM Zombie except Small size; Con 12 & therefore HD 3d6+3 (6-21 HP); Vuln: radiant; Resist: necrotic; Speed: 15 & Slam attack replaced by ‘Pull My Finger!’ for 1d4 necrotic damage.

35 XP each
8 x Goblin Cutter (Enc#9x8)

Spoiler: Goblin Cutter

As per MM Goblin except leather armour (AC 13) and armed with three daggers each, one for stabbing and two for throwing (2-12 HP each).

5 x Kobold Sneak (Enc#3x1, #4x1 & #5x3)

Spoiler: Kobold Sneak

As per MM Kobold except AC 14 (Leather), Resist: Acid, Str 10, Dex 16 (+5 To Hit), Con 10, 1d6 Sneak Attack, & better HP spread = 2d4+4 (6-12 HP each).

3 x Kobold Stoner (Enc #1x1, #2x1 & #4x1)

Spoiler: Kobold Stoner

As per MM Kobold except AC 14 (Leather), Resist: Acid, Dex 16 (+5 To Hit), Con 10, Special Fire & Glue shots with Sling, & better HP spread = 2d4+4 (6-12 HP each).

12 x Skeleton Decrepit (Enc#11x12)

Spoiler: Skeleton Decrepit

As per MM Skeleton except AC 12; Dex 12, Con 11 & therefore HD 2d8 (2-16 HP each); Vuln: bludgeoning & radiant; Resist: piercing & necrotic; Only +3 to hit for attacks, and +1 damage.

50 XP each
8 x Goblin Warrior (Enc#6x2, #8x1 & #9x5)

Spoiler: Goblin Warrior

As per MM Goblin except better HP spread = 2d4+4 (6-12 HP each).

8 x Kobold Warrior (Enc#1x2, #3x3, #4x1 & #5x2)

Spoiler: Kobold Warrior

As per MM Kobold except AC 15 (Leather & Shield), Resist: Acid, Str 11, Con 12, armed with Shortsword instead of Dagger, 3 HD & better HP spread = 3d4+9 (12-21 HP each).

1 x Rat Swarm (Enc#6x1)

Spoiler: Rat Swarm

As per MM Swarm of Rats (0-49 HP).

3 x Wolf (Enc#7x3)

Spoiler: Wolf

As per MM Wolf except better HP spread = 2d5+8 (10-18 HP each).

75 XP each
8 x Goblin Scout (Enc#6x2, #7x3 & #8x3)

Spoiler: Goblin Scout

As per MM Goblin except Dex 16 (+5 To Hit), Con 12, 3 HD & better HP spread = 3d4+9 (12-21 HP each).

2 x Zombie Hound (Enc#11x2)

Spoiler: Zombie Hound

As per MM Zombie except AC 10; Str 13, Dex 10, Con 16; Speed: 30; Vuln: radiant; Resist: necrotic; Slam replaced by Bite attack +3 to hit, 1d4+1 piercing plus 1d3 necrotic damage, and DC 11 Strength check or pulled Prone; Last Bite- when reduced to zero HP or below the hound makes an attack (any random target in range) before collapsing dead; 4HD & better HP spread 4d8+12 = 4d5+24 (28-44 HP each).

100 XP each
1 x Fionulla, Elven Scout (Enc#11x1)

Spoiler: Fionulla

As per MM Scout except add Elf Traits and maximum HP = 27.

1 x Hagrid, Deep Gnome (Enc#2x1)

Spoiler: Hagrid

As per MM Deep Gnome except Wis 11, Cha 11, 5 HD & MAX HP = 40. Hagrid also wears a magic item, an amulet, that acts like a +1 Ring of Protection (+1 to AC & Saves).

150 XP each
1 x Sgt Groan, Hobgoblin Torturer (Enc#8x1)

Spoiler: Sgt Groan

As per MM Hobgoblin except AC 13 (Hide Armour of Fire Resistance) = Fire Resistance; Str 14 (+4 to hit), Wis 12, Cha 12; armed with a red-hot poker (1d4+2 bludgeoning plus 1d3 ongoing fire damage); 3 HD = 3D8+3 and better HP spread = 3d4+15 (18-27 HP).

200 XP each
1 x Big Fat Ron, Goblin Boss (Enc#9x1)

Spoiler: Big Fat Ron

As per MM Goblin Boss except Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 12, armed with a light crossbow (instead of javelin/shortbow) MAX HP = 6d6+12 = 48.

1 x Chopper, Goblin Boss (Enc#5x1)

Spoiler: Chopper

As per MM Goblin Boss except Str 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 12, MAX HP = 6d6+12 = 48.

2 x Eggnog + Unnamed, Kobold Dragon Priest (Enc#3x1 & #5x1)

Spoiler: Eggnog/Kobold Dragon Priest

As per MM Kobold except AC 15 (Robes & Mage Armor), Resist: Acid, Str 10, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 16, Cha 10, armed with Claws (1d3 slashing) & Quarterstaff, 1st level Spellcaster (Wizard), 5 HD & better HP spread = 5d4+15 (20-35 HP each).

Book of the Dead (& Defeated) LEVEL 2 PCs:

20 XP each
6 x Kruthik Hatchling (Enc#22x6)

Spoiler: Kruthik Hatchling

As per MToF Kruthik Young except AC 12 only.

25 XP each
6 x Kruthik Young (Enc#22x3)

Spoiler: Kruthik Young

As per MToF Kruthik Young except better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 2d3+8 (10-14 HP each).

13 x Rat Giant (Enc#23x13)

Spoiler: Rat Giant

As per MM Giant Rat except better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 2d4+4 (6-12 HP each).

35 XP each
12 x Skeleton Decrepit (Enc#14x12)

Spoiler: Skeleton Decrepit

As per MM Skeleton except AC 12; Dex 12, Con 11 & therefore HD 2d8 (2-16 HP each); Vuln: bludgeoning & radiant; Resist: piercing & necrotic; Only +3 to hit for attacks, and +1 damage.

40 XP each
10 x Zombie Rotten (Enc#12x10)

Spoiler: Zombie, Rotten

As per MM Zombie except Con 12 and so HD 3d8+3 (6-21 HP each); Vuln: radiant & Resist: necrotic. They’re falling apart.

50 XP each
1 x Flaming Statue Trap (Enc#13x1)

Spoiler: Flaming Statue Trap

DC 12 Dexterity, 30-foot cone, 2d6 fire damage, save for half. DC 11 find the panel into the workings of the trap, DC 12 to turn it off. Critical failure causes the statue’s head to explode (1d6 bludgeoning) in 20ft radius.

1 x Necrotic Mist Trap (Enc#12x1)

Spoiler: Necrotic Mist Trap

DC 11 Constitution save every turn within the mist/fog/miasma or take one necrotic damage as skin shrivels, dries up, splits, bleeds, scabs, falls off etc.

6 x Spider Giant Wolf (Enc#21x6)

Spoiler: Spider, Giant Wolf

As per MM Giant Wolf Spider except better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 2d4+10 (12-18 HP each).

2 x Whispering Scythe Traps (Enc#13x2)

Spoiler: Whispering Scythe Trap

DC 11 Dexterity or 2d6 slashing damage. No off switch- resets into ceiling after the zombies are defeated or one hour has passed. Re-arms in 24 hours. Dozens of pressure plates in corridor to trigger- DC 11 to find them, and the same to disarm each one.

4 x Zombie (Enc#12x4)

Spoiler: Zombie

As per MM Zombie except Vuln: radiant; Resist: necrotic & better HP spread 3d8+9 = 3d5+18 (21-33 HP each).

75 XP each
18 x Hobgoblin Grunt (Enc#16x4, #17x5, #18x5 & #19x4)

Spoiler: Hobgoblin Grunt

As per MM Hobgoblin except AC 14 (leather & shield); Martial Advantage only 1d6 extra damage; Armed with Longsword & Dagger only; Better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 2d5+8 (10-18 HP each).

2 x Skeleton Warrior (Enc#14x2)

Spoiler: Skeleton Warrior

As per MM Skeleton except AC 17 (Chain & Shield); Str 14 (+4 to hit & +2 damage); Vuln: bludgeoning & radiant; Resist: piercing & necrotic; Armed with a longsword; Extra HD and better HP spread = 3d8+6 = 3d5+15 (18-30 HP each).

4 x Zombie Tough (Enc#13x4)

Spoiler: Zombie, Tough

As per MM Zombie except wearing fragments of plate armour beneath the bandages (AC 14); Str 14 (+1 to hit/damage); Vuln: radiant; Resist: necrotic & 4 HD with better HP spread 4d8+12 = 4d5+24 (28-44 HP each).

150 XP each
3 x Hobgoblin Archer (Enc#16x2 & #18x1)

Spoiler: Hobgoblin Archer

As per MM Hobgoblin except AC 13 (leather); Dex 14; Longbow +4 to hit & +2 damage; 3 HD & better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 3d5+12 (15-27 HP each).

11 x Hobgoblin Soldier (Enc#16x2, #17x4, #18x2 & #19x3)

Spoiler: Hobgoblin Soldier

As per MM Hobgoblin except AC 18 (chain mail & shield); Str 15; Longsword +4 to hit & +2 damage; 3 HD & better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 3d5+12 (15-27 HP each).

1 x Sgt Groan, Hobgoblin Torturer (Enc#17x1)

Spoiler: Sgt Groan, Hobgoblin Torturer

As per MM Hobgoblin except AC 13 (Hide Armour of Fire Resistance) = Fire Resistance; Str 14 (+4 to hit), Wis 12, Cha 12; now armed with a longsword; 3 HD = 3D8+3 and better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds = 3d4+15 (18-27 HP).

200 XP each
1 x Spider Giant (Enc#21x1)

Spoiler: Spider, Giant

As per MM Giant Spider except better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 4d5+24 (28-44 HP).

300 XP each
2 x Hobgoblin Warcaster (Enc#16x1 & #18x1)

Spoiler: Hobgoblin Warcaster

As per MM Hobgoblin except AC 11 (robes or AC 14 with Mage Armour); Con 14, Cha 15; 2nd Level Sorcerer (Charisma) Spell Saves DC 12, +4 to hit (cantrips- light, prestidigitation, ray of frost & shocking grasp; level one- burning hands, mage armour & thunderwave); 3 HD & better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 3d5+15 (18-30 HP).

450 XP each
1 x Kruthik Adult (Enc#22x1)

Spoiler: Kruthik Adult

As per MToF Kruthik Adult except better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 6d4+36 (42-60 HP).

1 x Ochre Jelly (Enc#23x1)

Spoiler: Ochre Jelly

As per MM Ochre Jelly except better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 6d6+36 (42-72 HP).

675 XP each
What the hell is going on in Kirkgate? (Enc#20) Skill Challenge.

700 XP each
1 x Kerrang, Hobgoblin War Captain (Enc#19x1)

Spoiler: Kerrang, Hobgoblin War Captain

As per MM Hobgoblin Captain except armed with a Vicious Shortsword (+2d6 damage on a Crit) & better HP spread on Fantasy Grounds 6d5+30 (36-60 HP).

1400 XP each
1 x Kurgan Kurgan, Skeleton Knight (Enc#15x1)

Spoiler: Kurgan Kurgan, Skeleton Knight Traitor

As per MM Knight mixed with Skeleton except AC 16 (broken plate armour which continues to fall apart as the PCs do damage = -1 AC for every 50 HP damage inflicted, so AC 12 at the end); Proficiency Bonus +3; Extra +2 on all saves (just in case); Vuln: bludgeoning & radiant; Resist: piercing & necrotic; HP 240 (with a question or speech delivered every 20 HP damage inflicted); Two attacks +6 To Hit, Longsword (wielded two handed) 1d10+3 slashing damage; Death Gaze (usable only when bloodied) one target within 30 feet, DC 13 Wisdom or 1d10 necrotic damage, save for half.

 

[Goonalan]

Not KotS​

Session #017a: Dying to Find Out.

The Inspectors.
Chromium Malifax aka C-Fax (Rob), Male Silver Dragonborn (Noble) Paladin of Bahamut Level 2
Mavis Golightly aka Mave (Sandy), Female Half-Elf (Acolyte) Cleric of Chauntea Level 2
Arbuthnot McGow aka McGow (Al), Male Mountain Dwarf (Soldier) Fighter Level 2
Snakebite (Kenji), Female Half-Orc (Outlander) Monk Level 2
Travis Pickle (Yui), Male Lightfoot Halfling (Criminal) Rogue Level 2

Dead PCs
The Inspector aka Spek (Kenji), Male Rock Gnome (Charlatan) Sorcerer Level 1- Killed in Session #2 by Eggnog the Kobold Dragon Priest.

To-do list/Quests-
#001 Save Dicky Bird aka The Fat Pidgin, and bring him home safely to Edna Gingster, although Dicky is on his way to the Narthex, which is in the Labyrinth, which is near the Seven Pillared Hall- which is in the Underdark- Bugger. Reward: 2000 XP & 1000gp each.
#002 Find and investigate the ancient dragon burial site Dicky was looking for, he might be there. Reward: 250 XP. COMPLETE
#003 Destroy the kobold menace, including their leader- ‘Chopper.’ Reward: 250 XP & 75gp, with 1gp paid for every kobold tail handed in. COMPLETE
#004 Stop Orcus-worshipping Karl’s ritual to bring an undead army to Kirkgate. Basically, save the village, begs (eventually) Lord Crumble. Karl is in Kirkgate. 1000 XP & 500gp reward.
#005 Find/Save Cheggers. That's it really, the PCs just need to find/save Cheggers (he’s with Karl, if he’s still alive), for Fionulla (the spy). Reward 100 XP.
#006 Find and kill/capture the Bloody Heck- including any leaders. Recover any prisoners they have kidnapped. Reward: 400 XP & 100gp, with 1gp paid for every member of the Bloody Heck confirmed dead or captured.
#007 Find all five symbols of Kurgan Kurgan’s office to open the way below Kirkgate. 1000 XP reward (and the PCs get to keep the items of course). Four items found so far.
#008 Save the Lowder’s and their farm from the Bloody Heck slavers. 250 XP reward. COMPLETE

Remember this place…

“Pull me up. I don’t like it.”

McGow does, anyway- it’s two days to go before the undead army are coming to Kirkgate, the Inspectors are refreshed- fully rested, and back on it. Oh, and they’re early to work it’s 6 AM or thereabouts when the PCs set off again for the deeps.

Back to the ruined temple with a massive statue of a devil in it, back to the location of the last of the much-needed Bahamut items- the longsword. C-Fax grins.

Oh, and this one was a cracker- the best yet, I appreciate I say that a lot but, it was really (really) good.

Cautiously we get to here…

All the Inspectors have made their way down, and things are moving very slowly- very cautiously now.

Oh, but it’s not a devil- the massive statue, it’s a hooded-cloaked, clothed (like an adventurer), horned, (bifurcated) tailed and armed (wicked looking dagger and wand) tiefling. Most… disturbing.

None of the Inspectors have the first clue as to who this is, whoever they are, or were, they were being worshipped here, because this is a temple- complete with altar, pews etc.

Lots of checks get made, using a variety of skills, and yet the only thing forthcoming is the statue is over a millennium old, and for its time extremely well-made. The holy duo (after a dozen or so checks between them) can add nothing to McGow’s initial (stonecunning) based assessment.

Travis however has another goal- the floor around the altar, and thereabouts, is scattered with coin- gold and silver, not a lot of the former- but enough to keep the rogue interested, all told the halfling gathers up nearly a hundred silvers and just shy of twenty gold coins. And, just lying on a nearby pile of rubble- an intact potion of healing, which is snaffled by the rogue when his friends are not looking. The coin, Travis eventually figures out, was thrown down the hole- offerings? Hence, it’s scatter pattern- around the altar.

McGow is, after briefly examining the statue, standing about- he’s on watch. He generally doesn’t get involved with the exploring element of adventuring.

Snakebite on the other hand has investigated both raised crenelated sections and is now heading west. The entire cavern sags to the southwest- the water could prove to be deep she thinks.

It’s at this point (see the image above) that the PCs remember what they are down here for, and then- instigated (as always) by Travis, they collectively (sans McGow) offer a prayer to Bahamut.

The last Bahamut missing items is- to the west- in the water?

And then it’s not.

Oh F…! This is McGow’s point of view of things.

Note the large (twelve foot tall with a twenty foot or so wingspan) skeleton dragon is not flying, rather it is slowly emerging from the depths here- moving quietly towards the shore, revealing more of itself as it approaches dry land, it’s heading straight for- well, McGow.

Oh, and enclosed within the ribs of the undead dragon is a shimmering longsword swathed in light.

I wonder what that could be.

There is both screaming and shouting. How lucky I am.

Mostly the words- “End-of-level-bad-guy!”, or their equivalent in Japanese.

And another word- beginning with ‘F’.

Here we all are, as seen from the POV of the tielfling statue, not that it’s watching.

The dragon, at the end of its surprise turn (Initiative ‘8’, my dice hate me, I think I had +5 or +6 on that roll) has only just made it to the shore, at which point McGow intercepts it.

The skeleton dragon doesn’t like bludgeoning damage (vulnerable) McGow discovers, but in reply to the dwarf’s attacks the undead terror tears into the surly fighter. It has three attacks- two claws and a bite, and it hits with two out of the three, but its damage rolls are very (very) low (both ‘1’s).

There’s a lot of shouting, and a fair amount of missing. Mavis gets a Bless running on Snakebite, McGow and Travis- although this happens at the end of the turn, shame- because Snakebite misses all three of her attacks (with IP) and C-Fax is unable to get into the fight yet.

The paladin fires up his once/day Blessing of Bahamut, from his magical holy symbol.

This is it.

Travis is firing off sling stones and keeping in cover. Only one hit- the skeleton dragon’s AC, the Inspectors discover, is 16.

But then, and with all their Blesses going, the Inspectors spend a turn hitting- unleashing everything that they have got- IPs all get spent, ki point used, action surge etc. It helps that the skeleton dragon is also vulnerable to radiant damage- and the PCs are all using bludgeoning weapons here.

And so…

Suddenly I (the DM) am bemoaning my lot.

I didn’t build this guy tough enough, just shy of 150 hit points but with bludgeoning and radiant vulnerability, the bastards are making short work of my beauty.

It doesn’t help (the DM) that the skeleton dragon fails to land a single attack this turn. The undead is heavily wounded, which in Fantasy Grounds terms means Bloodied- below half HP.

A little better…

McGow gets bitten (again) while C-Fax gets clawed. But the dragon is still taking hits, and the pile on of bludgeoning damage is really taking its toll.

The DM is fuming- and letting the players know that this guy is supposed to be tougher than this. The four hits I’ve landed so far, the highest damage roll (on a D10) has been a three plus bonuses.

Some days you are the statue.

The skeleton dragon doesn’t last…

This is the start of the fourth turn, the first turn being the surprise turn when only the dragon was in initiative.

The DM (me) is… I think the word is apoplectic.

Oddly, the Inspectors are more sanguine about events, they’re response to the DMs fury is calm, polite and respectful, and… they’re all laughing at me, and at themselves, and at the joy of it all.

And soon after C-Fax has a new longsword, the blade is called Aegis, and it’s the last missing Bahamut item, formerly belonging to Kurgan Kurgan.

The way down- the way to Karl is open.

There is delight.

Aegis, C-Fax learns is a +1 longsword that does an extra 1d4 radiant damage to any fiends or undead that it hits- woo-hoo, it can also shed light to thirty feet on command, which will save Mavis from keeping on having to cast Light on the paladin’s shield.

Note, C-Fax instantly attunes Aegis (no short rest needed), furthermore the blade cannot be wielded (with the above powers) by anyone other than a paladin of Bahamut.

There is much joy to be had, although very soon after Travis and Snakebite go off for a bit more exploring, to see if there’s anything else of worth or value, or wonder, down here.

They’re the lucky ones.

Now here’s the thing, while the PCs have been slapping themselves on the back the dastardly DM has been clicking through the initiative tracker, basically running the clock down, that is until the Inspectors various Bless spells (et al) have only got two turns left to go.

Why?

We get to this…

The entirely regenerated skeleton dragon suddenly lurches back to life (now that the radiant holy longsword has been removed from its chest) and spews a storm of splintered and slice-sharp shards of bone. McGow, C-Fax and Mavis’ saving throws are ‘2’, ‘3’ & ‘5’, I forget which belonged to which. Plus, bonuses of course. None of the PCs have an IP left, so they can’t re-roll their saves. That’s 5d8 damage for the dragon’s breath weapon and… twenty-something piercing damage each.

If you look closely on the above image, or click on it to expand, you’ll note that all three PCs are down and dying.

Nice!

I tricked them. Oh, yes, I did.

Mavis’ Bless spell has obviously stopped working, C-Fax’s hasn’t. That might become important later, although it only has two turns left to run.

Anyway, back to the game.

The PCs take it in turns (some of them) to call me some very hurtful things.

Actually, what they don’t do is take it in turns- they mostly all do it at the same time.

We do anger, then despair, and then… we all wait to see what Travis, next in initiative (now the surprise round is over- again), is going to do next.

And it takes a good long while to get to the answer. Travis considers all his options- his primary concern is- can he (safely) escape from this place, preferably on this turn. The answer of course is no, but he might be able to get up the rope and out of the hole in the ceiling the turn after- if Snakebite plays her part and keeps the dragon occupied.

Hmm…

And so, after a good ten minutes of deliberating, I didn’t want to rush Yui. I was preoccupied; I was… I think the word I’m looking for is basking- that’s what I was doing- I was basking.

Anyway, cut to the chase, and…

A hero is born.

Travis dives down off the raised area he was formerly investigating, scampers over to the fallen Mavis and glugs a potion of healing (his last one he tells anybody listening, which is a lie, but it adds to Travis’ cache) into the priestess’s slack-jawed mouth.

Mavis blinks open her eyes.

Travis’ parting words to Mavis, as he scurries off to hide behind the nearest pile of rubble (but closer to the exit)- “Don’t mess this up!”

Which is a lot to ask, because Mavis isn’t quite sure what to do for the best, but here’s the thing.

She gets there.

Mavis instigates her Preserve Life power, healing herself and C-Fax, and then casts a Healing Word on McGow, hissing a warning to her waking comrades she scurries back a way, out of range- she hopes- of another dragon breath attack.

Then… then the buggers get on it, and my dice turn to crap.

The Inspectors also realise fairly quickly that the dragon is now regenerating (10 HP/turn, unless it takes radiant damage) but…

Snakebite attacks, she misses with her staff but then crits with her open-hand attack; the skeleton dragon therefore turns to face the only creature attacking it- Snakebite and then misses with all three of its attacks (I needed to roll a ‘9’).

McGow scrambles to his feet and smashes the dragon with his warhammer- while swearing up a storm; Travis thumps another sling stone (with sneak attack) into its skull; Mavis douses it with her Sacred Flames, but… it’s C-Fax and his new toy.

And a Crit.

The bastard.

The paladin is doing an extra 1d4 radiant damage with his new sword Aegis (against undead and fiends only), and another 1d4 radiant from his magic holy symbol of Bahamut (for one more turn only), and with an extra 1d6 radiant if he lands a crit (again from the holy symbol).

I forget how much damage it was, and I refuse to go back to the chat text to find it.

Thirty-eight damage?

Something very similar.

You’ll note in the above image the Inspectors have all spread out, nobody is keen to get in the way of the breath weapon again.

But here’s the thing, the dragon started (again) with 148 hit points, and so- not even bloodied yet.

It doesn’t last, the dragon’s breath weapon refuses to recharge (5-6), and this picture is at least a turn later, and the dragon still hasn’t landed a hit. The Inspectors however- well, most of them have been missing too, but not Mavis with her wand of magic missiles, or Travis with his sling, or… bloody C-Fax with his magical sword.

We, inevitably, get to this. After the breath weapon the dragon didn’t land another hit. C-Fax, in the end, got him again with Aegis.

Here’s the bad guy, right at the end-

Spoiler: The Bad Guys

Enc#24 The Ancient Dragon from the Ancient Dragon Burial Site 1800 XP CR 5 Deadly.
1 x Ancient Skeleton Dragon (1800xp) First Incarnation Large Undead NE; AC 16; HP 148; Speed 30ft (No Fly); Str 14 Dex 10 Con 14 Int 8 Wis 10 Cha 8; Initiative +5 (somehow); All Saves +2 (and +2 on Dex and Wis); Vuln: bludgeoning, radiant; Resist: piercing; Immune: poison, necrotic & exhaustion, poisoned; Blindsight 10ft & Darkvision 60ft; Prof Bonus +3; Three attacks- Claw (x2) +6 to hit, 1d6+3 slashing damage & Bite +6 to hit, 1d10+3 piercing damage. Second Incarnation As above except add Regeneration 10 HP/turn except if it takes radiant damage; Breath Weapon (two types) (Recharge 5-6) Rot Breath: 25ft cone, DC 13 Constitution save or Poisoned (save again at end of turn) & Shard Breath: 25ft cone, DC 13 Dexterity save for half 5d8 piercing damage.
Tactics- Kill! Kill! Kill!

We take an extended break for ribaldry, and ‘do you remember when…’ stories.

Kenji is laughing so hard he sounds like he has swallowed an owl.

Bloody players.

Next time.

360 XP each for the encounter with the dragon, and a bonus of 100 XP (as demanded initially by Mavis) for Travis, and an extra 50 XP for Snakebite (for the same reason i.e. Do the Right Thing, as Spike Lee told us).

Also-

#007 Find all five symbols of Kurgan Kurgan’s office to open the way below Kirkgate. 1000 XP reward (and the PCs get to keep the items of course).

Complete. That’s another 200 XP each.

Cheers goonalan and the Tokyo Massive.